The Allan Border Medal is considered to be the most prestigious individual prize in Australian cricket. First awarded in 2000, the medal is named after former Australian captain Allan Border and recognises the most outstanding Australian cricketer of the past season as voted by his peers, the media and umpires. Votes are cast after each game on a 3–2–1 basis, with a weighting applied to give both One Day International and Test players an equal chance of winning the award.

The award ceremony itself is a major publicity event and takes place at the Crown Casino in Melbourne and is usually held towards the end of January or the start of February each year. The 2014 ceremony, however, was held in Sydney. The first time it has been held outside of Melbourne, the awards ceremony is broadcast live and is screened on digital channel GEM.

Only three cricketers have won the award more than once. Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke won the award four times, sharing the award in 2009. The other multiple winner is Shane Watson, who won the award twice.

On Allan Border Medal night there are also other awards announced such as the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year, One Day International Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year, Twenty20 International player of the year, State Player of the Year and Women's International Cricketer of the Year.

Shane Watson won a total of 7 awards which is the most by any player. He is the only player who won "Player of the year" award in all formats. Three players won three major awards including AB medal in the same year. Ricky Ponting in 2007, Shane Watson in 2011 and Steve Smith in 2015.

1After counting in the 2006 One Day Player of the Year award, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist all drew on 22 votes. On a count-back, the winner would have been Andrew Symonds but he was ruled ineligible because he was suspended for two One Day Matches for an off-field indiscretion. On a second count-back Michael Hussey was declared the winner.